Law & Order: SVU‘s Mariska Hargitay is speaking out for the first time about the departure of her longtime partner in crime, Chris Meloni.

“For the past 12 years Chris has been my partner and friend, both on screen and off,” the Emmy winner tells TVLine exclusively. “He inspired me every day with his integrity, his extraordinary talent and his commitment to the truth. I love him deeply and will miss him terribly — I’m so excited to see what he’ll do next.”

Earlier this week, TVLine broke the news that Meloni was turning in his badge after 12 years of playing Detective Stabler. The actor tendered his resignation after marathon contract talks with NBC collapsed suddenly.

This is a tragedy! How am I supposed to watch L&O:SVU without Stabler & only half of Benson’s time. =[ This is a sad sad situation! I mean I know I can’t expect them to be around forever, but I was hoping they would stay put until the show ended.

See … I felt the same way about M*A*S*H when various “irreplacable” characters left … and yet the show just got stronger. It was different but did not suffer because of the cast changes. I always give a favorite show a chance when there are cast changes … some succeed and some don’t. But you should be give them a chance; you might miss something great.

While normally I would agree, I have to say that L&O (first of all is NOT M*A*S*H) does not handle the cycle of characters well. I’ve been a fan of this show since it was Noth and Orbach as the lead detectives of the show and have been as faithful as possible to it, but they really start to fall apart after the characters change. Benjamin Bratt was a good character back in the day, and I didn’t mind the guy who came after (brain farting on his name right now). But once Orbach left? Went to Hell in a hand basket. Stabler was my boy, and no Jennifer Love-Hewitt boobage will ever replace Olivia. This show is done but it will get beaten to death over the next 9 years so it can beat out original L&O as the longest running incarnation of Dick Wolf running out of ideas.

Orbach wasn’t even Noth’s original partner, he was about the 3rd partner, he just lasted the longest ( until his sad demise to cancer) That is one of the great things about the Original L&O the cast could change and the quality remained. Give any new cast members a chance on SVU…at least see who the show ACTUALLY casts before ripping anyone. I’m actually sad the original is gone, and I’m also sad L&O LA didn’t make the cut.

I totally agree with Allison! Why just think of all the wonderful joy television has brought to us over the years. I sure wouldn’t want to miss out on another exciting and great character! Can’t wait to see who they bring in to nod their head at witnesses giving us information that will lead to another witness!

Well maybe you’re right Let’s hope Wolf can reincarnate Charlie Bronson or rebuild Dirty Harry maybe steroids can bring Eastwood back into shape. (Great Guy that he still is) How about Liam Neison?
He was great in Taken. Best yet, it’s time to rotate Obama out Ever since he got bin laden, macho man that he thinks he is.. he could team up with Lib Munch and and talk Ice Tea into playing hoops.

Now that will get ratings. All Wolf then has to do is kill off Det. Barrack in the first show and build a Mosque.

I think you are right about this being the end–it was the end for me when the Original L&O left and L&O CI went to the USA Network. I loved Goren & Eames and when I heard they were coming back I was so excited. However, this Sunday is the Series Finale! I also loved the L&O Conviction Series and the L&O La that were not given any chances at all!

Can’t anyone get along with Dick Wolfe????? I hear he is very difficult to work for!

I can’t believe stabler is not gonna be in svu anymore? I love svu show only because of Bensen and stabler. Both of them are my favorite dectectives. I have been watching thi show for a while now and i record all the episodes. I am still in Shock. Please bring stabler back to the show. plz…. I miss him so much.

Hey people who are watching law and order svu don’t say bad things just because Elliot is not there any more I read something bad just cause he’s not there so be thankful Olivia is still there and Finn and munch. By the way I’m 11.

Ok it’s Leah again I’m watching law and order svu the ones with stabler now i miss him even more by the way if you read the comment and under it you will see who the comment is by and everyone that sees the comment by me Leah I’m 11years old and my favorite person is Olivia benson aka marishka hargitay.

Really? I really have trouble believing this – for the past season or two these two have barely shared any screen time. I figured there was some backstage drama going on and neither one wanted to work with the other.

I figured that the reason was because their contracts called for them to appear in less episodes, so instead of teaming them up together in those few episodes they had them alternate so that at least each episode had one of them in it.

I was about to say the same thing. If they were watching this show they would know that since season 7 it has only been the Benson and Stabler show. The rest of the cast has been virtually nonexistant. I’m looking forward to this change. Bring in some fresh blood. Lord knows this show needs it. I’m ready to see something other than the personal melodrama of Stabler and Benson clouding up my screen for an hour a week.

Totally agree with you Dana! Very frustrating past season – very rarely did Hargitay and Meloni share the same episode. The supporting cast was leaned on heavily.

@Michael Sacal – your answer is correct. Both stars’ contracts had their on-set time reduced = they had to be split up in order to get a full season out of them while trying to maintain the illusion that they were together on each episode. (One of them would only appear at the beginning and/or the end of an episode and the other would do the entire episode – alone). Disappointing season!

Yet another show that will have overstayed its welcome. These two actors are the series. Without them, there is nothing. When Meloni left, they should have cancelled it–after 12 years viewers will NOT accept replacements. Why don’t networks ever learn?

SVU is badly wounded as BOTH stars will be absent in some way next season. Meloni is not returning at all and Hargitay is only appearing in half the episodes and this will be her last season. They might be able to replace one of them – but both? Only hope is the strong supporting cast?

I agree. They should cancel the show since Chris is not going to be in it. These two actors are the series of this show, without them there is nothing. I can’t watch the show anymore without meloni. it’s not the same.

No Meloni, no more SVU for me. I don’t know what happened to make contract negotiations break down, but NBC should revisit that situation and fix it fast! What’s the point of SVU without Stabler and with less Benson? The two of them together is what made the show a success.

It’s all about the money – and with NBC as a whole falling fast in the ratings – I’m sure there are cost cutting demands from the top. NBC’s buyout I’m sure led to different ‘priorities’ in the entertainment division. This is just part of the shakeout – agree to a paycut or go elsewhere.

I agree with susan. NO Meloni no more SVU. NBC should seriously think about their decision and must fix the contract negotiations with Meloni and bring him back to the show. ALL THE FANS DEMAND CHRIS MELONI BACK ON THE SHOW. NBC PPL MUST LISTEN TO OUR REQUESTS AND BRING MELONI BACK TO THE SHOW WITH BENSON. WITHOUT THEM SHOW IS NOTHING AND IT CAN’T BE A SUCCESS. BRING MEONI BACK!!!

@Dana – nah, they seem pretty tight. I always assumed the alternating Benson/Stabler episodes were so that they could have more time off work and/or didn’t have to work such long hours – as a viewer, I didn’t like it. Mariska’s always been my favourite though, so I’m glad she’s sticking around, even in a reduced capacity.

one-Chris Meloni is a class act, but to think that replacing him will bring SVU down is ridiculous. The show has had a long and successful run. IMHO any show that can’t survive a character’s replacment probably is on its way out anyway.

two-Just because Hugh Laurie hasn’t commented, doesn’t mean that he won’t. LE decision came suddenly and Hugh is on the other side of the world filming a movie. He probably has other things on his mind at the moment.

I really wish that since he was going to leave, they’d have at least contracted for the first half and let him (Elliot) bow out gracefully. Have a real good-bye between Benson and
Stabler. As it is, we’ll get some off-the-hand mention and then nothing more. I hate SvU’s production/writer team.

That’s what upsets me the most about this whole thing. I haven’t watched the finale yet, but I’m guessing if they didn’t know he was leaving than the finale doesn’t mention it at all. After 12 years of seeing them share some crazy intense, emotional moments over the past 12 years, I feel so cheated that we’re not getting a REAL goodbye.

Shocking death for SVU maybe, but it definitely does not fit the blind item from back in March. I’ve been wondering about it for weeks, because someone suggested Derek on Grey’s, and Ausiello said this death would actually be WORSE than if they killed off Derek. Sister Peg was great, but this doesn’t really qualify. Hmmm…

On the coin’s edge, I like them both but can’t be bothered to watch more than six thousand hours of crime procedurals in this lifetime and so I stopped watching after that episode where the blonde spazzy kid killed that other lab guy and tied up Stabler. They’ve both had a loooooong run here and Meloni will find work. Hargitay too when she hangs’em up on svu.

I do not plan to watch the L&O SVU if Mariska Hargitay leaves the show.Since Cris Meloni ended so abruptly with NO GOOD reason, the least the producers could do is bring him back for a final show together with Mariska. THEY OWE IT TO US> Jean Gauthier

I really admire the friendship between Chris and Mariska. She always makes a point of saying how much you admire him in every way. Surely it will make a huge shortage and I’m not sure of her chemistry with his new partner.

I have been bitching about this since the news broke. I swore I wasnt going to watch anymore. Well, I have calmed down and I am going to give it a chance. If it tanks, then the series will end. I still love the premise of the show – which is why I watched it in the first place. I had barely heard of MH or CM when the show first came out.

Maybe they will feature more Much and Fin? Always love Belzer and his conspiracy theories!

They should bring in Tom Irwin to replace Chris. He guest starred on an episode earlier in the season. He’s always had a sincerity about him (and he was one of the best TV dads ever – My So Called Life!).

I screamed when i heard this, i was devastated those two so good together. no more bensler, no more me watching this show. I cant believe he walked away, hopefully it is for the better. but the show isnt going to be as strong as it once was.. and it is going to lose viewers..
i’m going to miss them. but i am excited to see what he gets into next..he cant be a cop forever…good luck MH… thank you.

I was definitely in the ridiculously disappointed category when I first heard this news, but I think I’m willing to give the show a chance. Ice-T and Marika always had some great chemistry, and Munch of course is great. I hope they get either Stephanie March or Diane Neal back too.

As for a Meloni replacement, I’m still voting for Dean Winters a.k.a. detective Cassidy from season 1… he was awesome!! The kinda goofy kid who couldn’t handle it. It would be great to see him back.

Having watched the finale, I think I know the reason they will give for Stabler leaving. I haven’t been a fan of just one of the leads in some of the shows. And now one will be gone altogether and then we won’t see the other in as many shows once Hargitay scales back her hours by having Benson move to a new job. I don’t think the show will work without the two of them. I will give it a chance though.

How many leads did the original L&O go through over its 19 year run? Granted, the last couple of years weren’t so great, but people still watched for 19 years. They’ll do fine as long as they find the right replacement.

I do not get tired of looking at pictures of Mariska Hargitay. She is so pretty. Do not know if I’ll still see SVU. Cris will be greatly missed. The chemistry with Mariska it was perfect. I am very sad. I wish the best for him.

I am so sad. Although I love Munch and Finn, Huang, and Casey, Benson and Stabler are the heart and soul of SVU. I watch all the marathons. Words cannot express how much I love this show. I will not be watching after Mariska leaves. CERTAINLY not after/if they hire Jennifer Love-Hewitt (which the producers must be off their rocker for even considering)

Give him the money guys so the great show can go on. They are great together and you will loose your viewers if you don’t. Just look at Las Vegas and what happened when their lead star left and Sellick stepped in. Awful. But, Sellick is great on Jesse Stone.

i stopped watching SVU a couple years back when it got overtly and overly preachy – i get sending a message but don’t write dialogue that goes on for 5 minutes telling me exactly what the message is weave it into the story like you used to do – i will not watch anymore love Mariska but not worth an hour of my life to be preached at

I think that Kyle Chandler would be an excellent replacement for Chris Meloni. He would have great chemistry with Mariska and has a tough but sensitive demeanor that would fit in perfectly for the show. Chandler was super in Friday Night Lights and has acted well in everything he has been in. I think the executives for the show should seriously consider him if he is interested in the role. Keep your fingers crossed.

I feel that there are big shoes to fill where Stabler is concerned. I’m not sure that they will find another actor/character to pair Benson with that will work so well. I do wish we would get a real goodbye between them, one that makes us ache for more but appreciate that there can’t be anymore.

I wish him well. This is the end for SVU. It will limp along another season (maybe two b/c it’s NBC and they got nothing else), but this is the end. For all that having been saying they don’t care and are there to watch Mariska. What are you going to do when she’s in every other episode for about 10 minutes starting midseason?

This is the same thing that happened to X-Files. The show revolves around two strong leads. A buddy cop show, if you will. Comparisons to MASH or Cheers, half hour comedic ensemble pieces are misplaced. It’s been a great run for the show. Too bad it will be a less than full end…….Only thing that could work is if they bring back a L&O big name like Chris Noth…..

i hope they promote detective finn,and bring an underling in too take
over his partnering with munch.if they can’t do that,i wish they would promote vincent d’onofrio from criminal intent.he’s by far the best actor to ever play a detective in the whole law and order family.
i sure as hell do NOT want to see jennifer love hewett on law and order as a member of the squad.she would be badly out of place there!

They didn’t even do an episode where Stabler leaves. This is sad. I heard rumors that he was thinking about leaving but I was hoping they would do an episode where Stabler turns in his badge and leaves. I’m guessing Chris Meloni didn’t want to make it too hard to leave.

Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay Madw that show what it is. It won’t last the reast of the saason wothout them. I know I won’t watch it without them. Dick wolf could at least give us fans what we want and put them together as a couple before he left.I am so upset that he is leaving but as long as Chris is happy then that is all that matters to me. He and Mariska are Best Friends and he loves her just as much as she loves him. Yes she is his daughter Sophia’s godmother. I love them both dearly and all that I care about is that they are both happy with whatever they decided. I will support them no matter what. Chris is my baby and I love him more then words can say. Mariska is my idol and inpiration and I love her to peaces.

Kim – you’re freaking me out – you’re talking about them like they are your family or best friends. Their actors. On a tv show. Who wouldn’t know you from a hole in the ground. Get a grip – “Chris is my baby.” Ummmm….

I understand that he is leaving and absolutely think the show can continue – and maybe even get better with some new blood – but it’s very sad to think after 12 years with Stabler, we won’t get a proper goodbye – it will be mentioned in the first epp of next season that he is no longer with SVU force for this or that reason, but no closure, no goodbye. That is the real loss.

The whole no closure, no goodbye that you just mentioned is exactly what I dislike the most about this situation! I am curious to know what their reason for this will be though. It’s sad that he won’t be part of the series any longer and although he may not have been the only cast member in the show, like I believe someone else mentioned here, the truth of the matter is- later on in the seasons, the writers did start to cater more to Mariska and Chris’s characters so, in a way- they did kind of become the Benson & Stabler show (unofficially). It was fine and dandy though because they were/are my favorite characters so I never cared to complain about that, but to think that his departure from the show won’t hurt it in the long run is absurd! The majority of the show’s fans are really drawn and invested with Benson & Stabler and eventually because of that, people also became drawn and invested with Mariska and Chris- which is exactly why I don’t believe the show will last beyond the 13th season. Unfortunately for Mariska the burden of the ratings is going to fall heavily on her shoulders for those 13 (or whatever amount) episodes she is contractually obligated to star in. The minimum of appearances made by her in the season will also bring the show’s demise. Anyway, 12 years is a pretty long run- I will miss weekly dose of the Benson/Stabler dynamic but- if I survived the series finale of Friends, I will survive this. Without Hargitay and Meloni- sadly it’s just not worth it.

NO ONE ON THIS PLANET COULD EVER IN 2 MILLION YEARS COULD REPLACE CHRIS MELONI HE IS THE BEST OF THE BEST OF THE BEST PERIOD. THERES NOT A MAN ON THIS PLANET SEXIER THEN CHRIS THAT I PROMISE WILL NEVER HAPPEN. EVER

Chirs Meloni is non replacable. He is the best of the best. I love his personality, his looks and his acting. I agree with kim that no other man can replace Meloni. I will never watch the show again unless they bring Meloni back. what were they thinking? show is not going to last another season. so many viewers are disappointed and their rating are gunna go down. Stabler was the BEST!!!

FACE IT ITS ON ITS WAY OUT NOW ANYWAY BECAUE CHRIS LEFT AND MARISH IS LEAVING I WONT WATCH IT WITHOUT THEM. THEY MADE THE SHOW WHAT IT IS. THEY WILL LOOSE ALL THEIR VEIWERS NOW. AND NO HE DID NOT QUIET DICK WOLF DOESN’T WANT TO PAY CHRIS WHAT HE WANTS TO STAY OR HE WOULD HAVE.

Although Elliot and Olivia always had unbelievable chemistry (and I always kind of hoped they would get together despite the fact that he was married) Fin and olivia had chemistry too. In a recent episode he said to elliot “I watch her back; not her backside”. His sense of humor and the protective demeanor might go well with her. It wont be identical but regardless it isnt NBC’s fault if Meloni got greedy.

I might be able to watch SVU again with Meloni gone. His character Stabler was too stupid to accept even with suspension of disbelief. Once a crime was committed, he thought everybody he saw was the perp and treated them that way. If he had a brain, he might have been able to solve crimes through use of evidence and logic.

They all pushed hard on ALL of the perpz they got to psyche them out–scare them. They lose ther s**t, then it makes it all the easier to break them. It’s testament to your idiocy that you weren’t able to pick up on that fact after however many years of it happening in the show. -___-

The show peaked 5 years ago anyway. NBC made a big mistake canceling the parent show and keeping SVU on life support. The bigger news is that Vincent D’Onofrio has returned to Criminal Intent which was a vastly superior show (in my opinion). I’ll never understand the thought patterns of TV execs.

It is enormously unfair to Christopher Meloni to presume that he quit over money. Money is only one of the considerations in a contract, and for all we know, there was something that CM asked for that was not given to him, and that something may not have been about money. This man has always maintained a low-profile lifestyle, and we have never heard of him maintaining various houses on the West and East Coast or in other countries, like other Hollywood actors. Someone with a relatively low-maintenance lifestyle would surely not be as “greedy” as some people say he is.

Now that he’s leaving SVU, I am “leaving” it as well. For 12 years, Benson and Stabler have been the united heart and soul and face of SVU — without both of them there, it will never be the same again. The character of Elliot Stabler is already, in some ways, part of popular TV culture, and no one can deny that Christopher Meloni gave so much of himself to SVU with a rare dedication – Ice-T himself has already spoken of the 14-hour days that CM spends on the set of SVU, and that in essence, he and Mariska Hargitay “have no life” because of the long, long hours they have to put into shooting each episode. To say, therefore, that CM can be easily replaced is an insult to the commitment he gave SVU for 12 years. This is not a case where “no one is indispensable” or “half a loaf is better than none,” will apply, and such a philosophy is, ultimately, an insult to every actor or actress who invested so much of his / her talents in making a character come to life.

While I love Chris Meloni and am sad that he’s leaving, I have a suggestion for his replacement: Corey Stoll. He played TJ Jaruszalski on Law and Order LA, and could easily transfer into Special Victims, just like Rubirosa went from NY to LA!

He’s always been an understated presence on the show, and in the last few eps he really kicked ass (and took names)!

I know he’s not a BIG NAME ACTOR, but I never thought that was a great idea, at least not for the leads.

I agree with you about Corey Stoll as a replacement for Chris Meloni–I think he would be perfect! Please don’t hire that stupid Jennifer Love-Hewitt for ant reason–most talentless individual I have ever seen!

svu without stabler and limited benson-the last law and order is doomed. look what happened to law and order ci when donofrio and erbe left. rip to the wonderful la and order franchises. viva la reruns!!!!!